Raji Doshi Wins 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge for Ocean Acidification Solution

Raji Doshi, a student of Indian origin from Connecticut, was selected as the winner of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge of 2026 for her work dealing with the problem of ocean acidification; she was awarded $25,000 for this project. Raji’s project is called ALKACORE and investigates the potential of growing macroalgae along with aragonite, which is a natural form of calcium carbonate in decreasing carbon dioxide content and alkalinity in seawater.

Who is Raji Doshi?

According to the provided information, Raji Doshi is a student of Stanford Online High School whose origins are from India and who hails from Farmington, Connecticut. She was chosen as America’s Top Young Scientist by winning the 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2026.

The topic of ocean acidification got her attention through seashells and the effects of water chemistry changes on them and the creatures making them.

Doshi had to compete with another nine finalists, all between ages 11 and 14, in the finals that were held on October 12–13, 2026, in St. Paul, Minnesota, at 3M’s global headquarters. She won a cash award of $25,000.

ALKACORE Project Description

According to Doshi’s ALKACORE project, there is a method that can be used to prevent acidification in the coastal ocean through the use of aragonite together with macroalgae cultivation.

This project seeks to examine the impacts of both materials on the level of carbon dioxide and alkalinity of the seawater. For instance, Doshi used carbon chemistry analysis to explore the effects of aragonite on the growth of algae and seawater.

In addition, she came up with a computational model based on Michaelis-Menten kinetics that can be used to calculate the quantity of aragonite needed. Michaelis-Menten kinetic is a method used to determine the relationship between the rate of a reaction and the substrate concentration.

ALKACORE is a project aimed at achieving low-cost reduction of coastal acidification, but the practicality, environmental impacts, and scalability of the project will need further scientific investigation.

Ocean Acidification Definition

Ocean acidification is the phenomenon characterized by a steady reduction in the pH of seawater as a result of the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere.

As a result of the dissolution of CO₂ in the seawater, carbonic acid is formed due to a reaction between CO₂ and water.

Formation of carbonic acid results in an increase in hydrogen ions concentration, thus reducing the pH levels of seawater.

In What Ways Does ALKACORE Research an Existing Solution?

1. Macroalgae farming

The macroalgae or seaweed perform photosynthesis through which they absorb the carbon dioxide dissolved in water. The carbon sequestration potential differs from one organism to another depending on its environment and post-harvest processes.

2. Aragonite as a carbonate mineral

The aragonite is a calcium carbonate mineral (CaCO₃). Carbonates can have some role in the chemistry of seawater and alter the alkalinity depending on the conditions of dissolution.

3. Chemical analysis and modelling

Doshi did some research on the carbon chemistry and computer modelling in order to understand the impact of the integrated system on seawater chemistry.